2004 BMW 120 vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 120 | 402 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 77 L |
